Friends or Foe?

I have been wandering around our property looking at all of the flowering that is taking place. And I began to wonder how many people see the flowering plants as a friend rather than a foe? Each plant has a purpose, we may not always see that it does in a positive light. But there is a positive purpose for each one, just like us. We need only to look for it. So here is a few pictures that I took of some friends that I saw. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Guess you can decide for yourselves whether they are your friend or foe.

FRIEND OR FOE?
Although not an actual flowering specimen, these Bees do help to pollinate the flowers we do enjoy. I am not totally sure of the right name for them. As there is one type of the species that are called "Wood bees", who have a foe reputation of eating holes in the wooden pieces on our homes. This little bee had been seen visiting the blooms on the pots of flowers sitting on the porch. Doing his job of ensuring next years seed production as he dusted each one with pollen. So until further notice I am going to call them my friend. After all I don't believe they will sting you, unlike their cousins the yellow jackets, who have a mean temper.

FRIEND OR FOE?

These are what I have been told are Fox Grapes. I have been waiting for them to produce all summer. They grow wild around here and according to the Internet, are useful in making jelly and wine. Mine are rather small and I am unsure if it is due to their nature or some other environmental factor. One taste though has left me wondering about whether they could be a foe . . . . having a tart, sour flavor. But all in all they are quite hardy and provide a food source for the birds if not for mankind. So on that note I will call them friend, for I have been gifted with an array of birds feasting on it's goodness. . . . Mocking birds, Brown thrashers, Blue birds, Jays, Cardinals just to name a few. Flurry of color and activity right out side my kitchen window, for free.

FRIEND OR FOE?

Pictures of wild Morning Glories. Usually seen in shades of purple and blue. They pop up in any plowed area, seeding themselves from some unknown source. These were twined around my tomato cages and vining across the garden area. Dotting the landscape with splashes of bright purple here and there. Bees love them for the nectar and I have had a host of bright yellow butterflies hovering over them, since they opened up their flower cups for sipping. Left to their own decisions they could possible take over a garden. But kept in check they offer color to an otherwise brown & green pallet right now. We pay money for the cultivated ones at the store for our yards, why not enjoy the ones who grow themselves? I call them friends ~ for I never miss having a smile when I spot them.

FRIEND OR FOE?

Pictures of Goldenrod, often mistaken for that pesky weed that causes hay fever this time of year ~ named ragweed. A beauty of yellow in a landscape of fall colors, often visited by late season butterflies and honey bees gathering nectar. By the way it does not cause allergic reactions. I call them my friend ~

Have you seen any of my friends in your yard this year? What did you decide? Friend or Foe? Maybe seeing them as I do has changed your perspective of them. Be on the watch for friends while outside and marvel at the positive purpose they have. You just might enjoy nature a little more with a thankful heart for a job well done.

Looking for friends,

Deborah